Ron Bryers
Rugby player
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ronald Frederick Bryers (14 November 1919 – 20 August 1987) was a New Zealand rugby union player. He was a lock, but in his early career was in the backs and was a loose forward. He played one match for New Zealand, against Australia in the first test in 1949.[1]
| Born | 14 November 1919 Raetihi, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Died | 20 August 1987 (aged 67) Tauranga, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Ohakune District High School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notable relative | Rhonda Bryers (daughter) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation | Teacher | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Bryers was born in Raetihi and educated at Ohakune District High School. He enlisted in the New Zealand Army in World War II; he was then a teacher living in the Bulls Schoolhouse. He served in the 34th Battalion, and played in service games.[2]
In 1946, he played for the New Zealand Māori against Australia. As a Māori, he could not be selected for the 1949 tour of South Africa so played against Australia instead. He retired as headmaster of Mount Maunganui primary school, and died in Tauranga Hospital.[3]
He captained King Country.[1] He was a selector for the New Zealand Māori from 1957 to 1958 and for Bay of Plenty from 1962 to 1973.[1]
